MLB Day 49 2012

The final day of interleague play for awhile, and we begin in...

Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Miami Marlins. Josh Johnson and Derek Lowe are the staff aces on the mound. Miami began with a groundout by Hanley Ramirez to bring in Jose Reyes in the first inning. The Marlins added on in the third inning when Greg Dobbs doubled Ramirez home safely. Cleveland got one back in the fifth inning as Jose Lopez hit a single, driving in Michael Brantley. Miami got some breathing room in the eighth inning as Logan Morrison doubled Dobbs home and Brett Hayes singled, knocking in Giancarlo Stanton, followed by a Chris Coghlan fielder's choice providing Morrison time to finish his trip around. The Indians attempted a ninth inning comeback as Lopez doubled and Brantley crossed home, followed by Casey Kotchman grounding out to give Johnny Damon time to dash home, but they never tied it and fell 5-3. The win went to Johnson, while Heath Bell sloppily converted the save, and Lowe was stuck holding the loss.

Up to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Max Scherzer are the veteran pitchers. Pittsburgh opened in the fifth inning on a Rod Barajas solo home run. Detroit tied it in the bottom of the fifth as Jhonny Peralta went yard on a solo home run of his own. The Pirates got the lead back in the sixth inning with a Neil Walker solo shot. The Tigers tied it again in the seventh inning as Delmon Young singled home Prince Fielder, and they took the lead on a 2-RBI Alex Avila single, plating both Young and Peralta. Pittsburgh attempted a rally in the ninth inning with a Barajas sacrifice fly allowing safe passage home for Josh Harrison, but they failed to get the equalizer, falling 4-3 at the hands of winning pitcher Scherzer, while Joaquin Benoit converted a rocky save, and Correia was dealt the loss.

East to New York, where the Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and CC Sabathia pace the game. New York busted things open in the sixth inning as Raul Ibanez hit a two-run home run, also scoring Robinson Cano. Cincinnati tied it in the seventh inning with Ryan Ludwick and Ryan Hanigan hitting solo shots, and they took the lead as Brandon Phillips drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Zack Cozart. The Reds added on in the ninth inning when Ludwick doubled in both Phillips and Jay Bruce. This proved plenty for a 5-2 win, with Cueto picking up the win, Aroldis Chapman converting his first save cleanly, and Sabathia got pinned with the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the New York Mets. Dillon Gee and Henderson Alvarez are the relatively unknown starters. New York quickly took a first inning lead when David Wright doubled in both Andres Torres and Mike Baxter, before coming the rest of the way home as Kirk Nieuwenhuis doubled. The Mets padded the lead in the second inning with Baxter tripling to force in Ronny Cedeno. Toronto got on the board in the bottom of the second with a Yan Gomes single knocking in Ben Francisco. The Blue Jays got another in the third inning as Jose Bautista hit a solo home run. New York shot back in the fifth inning when Daniel Murphy singled home Baxter, followed by Ike Davis hitting a fielder's choice that allowed Lucas Duda to score. Toronto got one back in the seventh inning on a Bautista single, knocking in Gomes. The Blue Jays chipped away in the eighth inning when Eric Thames doubled to score J.P. Arencibia, before finishing his trip around on a Colby Rasmus single. They couldn't tie the game, falling 6-5, with the win going to Gee, the save turned by Frank Francisco, and the loss was served to Alvarez.

Back stateside, the Philadelphia Phillies host the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett and Cliff Lee are on the hill. Boston began with a solo home run in the first inning by Mike Aviles. The Red Sox got another in the second inning with Aviles singling, allowing Marlon Byrd to dash home. Boston extended the lead with a three-run home run by Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the third inning, sweeping in Adrian Gonzalez and Will Middlebrooks. Philadelphia got on the board in the eighth inning as Juan Pierre hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Pete Orr. Boston was able to hold on from there and win 5-1, with Beckett earning the win and Lee getting little help in the loss.

Into the nation's capital, with the Washington Nationals hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Wei-Yin Chen and Stephen Strasburg get the starting nods. Baltimore was first on the board with a first inning Nick Markakis single to drive in Xavier Avery. The Orioles padded the lead in the second inning as Robert Andino grounded out to provide Wilson Betemit time to get home, followed by Avery singling in Chris Davis. Washington tied it in the third inning when Bryce Harper tripled, forcing in both Strasburg and Danny Espinosa, before coming all the way home on an Ian Desmond fielder's choice. The Nationals took the lead in the fourth inning with solo home runs by Jesus Flores and Strasburg. Washington added on in the fifth inning as Desmond singled Harper across the plate. The Nationals padded the lead in the eighth inning as Espinosa hit a two-run home run, also scoring Steve Lombardozzi, followed by an Adam LaRoche sacrifice fly that gave Harper time to cross the dish. This made it 9-3, a final, with the win going to Strasburg and the loss to Chen.

Down in Tampa Bay,the Rays host the Atlanta Braves. Tim Hudson and David Price are the pair of aces on the mound. Atlanta led off with a third inning David Ross solo home run. The Braves added on in the sixth inning as Jason Heyward singled home Freddie Freeman. This was all they needed for a 2-0 win, earned by Hudson, while Craig Kimbrel cleanly pitched the ninth inning for a save, and Price had no help in the loss.

Westward to Houston, with the Astros hosting their in-state rivals, the Texas Rangers. Colby Lewis and Jordan Lyles take their turns in the rotation. Texas jumped to an early lead with a first inning rally including Josh Hamilton hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz singling to score Elvis Andrus and Michael Young, and Cruz coming home alongside David Murphy on a single by the pitcher Lewis. The Rangers got another in the fifth inning on a Murphy solo home run. Houston got on the board in the ninth inning with a solo shot by Jed Lowrie, making it a 6-1 loss. Lewis was strong in the win while Lyles was not so much so in the loss.

Well north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Minnesota Twins. Jason Marquis and Zack Greinke got the starting nods. Minnesota struck first as Josh Willingham singled in Ben Revere. Milwaukee took the lead in the bottom of the first with solo home runs by Corey Hart and Jonathan Lucroy. The Brewers went batty in the second inning, with a rally started by Hart singling in Travis Ishikawa, followed by Ryan Braun doubling in both Greinke and Hart, Lucroy singling to score Nyjer Mogan and Braun, and Ishikawa singling to finish Lucroy's trip around. Milwaukee fired the engines up again in the fourth inning when Braun doubled home Morgan, followed by a Taylor Green sacrifice fly to finish Braun's trip around the bases. The Brewers kept going with a fifth inning Braun single scoring the pitcher Greinke. Milwaukee struck once again in the seventh inning on a Norichika Aoki single to knock in Carlos Gomez, followed by Lucroy clearing the bases on a grand slam, forcing in Hart, Morgan, and Aoki. The Twins got one back in the eighth inning on a Brian Dozier single to score Joe Mauer. Minnesota got as close as 16-4 in the ninth inning when Darin Mastroianni reached on an error to bring in Alexi Casilla and Drew Butera drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Revere, allowing Greinke an easy win in the beatdown, while Marquis was chased early after taking a good portion of the attack for a loss.

South again to Kansas City, where the Royals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Nathan Adcock are the back-of-the-rotation starters. Arizona got things going in the fifth inning when John McDonald reached on an error to bring in Paul Goldschmidt. The Diamondbacks added on in the eighth inning when Justin Upton hit a sacrifice fly to score Gerardo Parra. This was good for a 2-0 win, earned by Miley, while J.J. Putz effectively converted the save, and Adcock was stuck holding the loss.

A tad north, the Chicago Cubs host their same-city rivals, the Chicago White Sox. Jake Peavy opposes a lesser foe in Paul Maholm. The White Sox were first on the board with fourth inning Gordon Beckham and Adam Dunn solo home runs. The White Sox got another solo shot in the fifth inning from Tyler Flowers' bat. The White Sox struck again in the seventh inning as Peavy grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Flowers to dash home, before Peavy came home on a Beckham sacrifice fly. The White Sox added on in the ninth inning when Alex Rios doubled home Brent Lillibridge. This made it 6-0, a final, with Peavy pitchingly strongly in the win while Maholm got no help in the loss.

Out west, the Colorado Rockies host the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and Jeremy Guthrie are the struggling starters. Seattle busted things open in the first inning when Dustin Ackley stole home, followed by Justin Smoak singling to score Kyle Seager. Colorado got on the board in their half of the inning with a solo home run by Carlos Gonzalez. The Mariners replied in the third inning with a two-run home run by Jesus Montero, also scoring Ichiro, followed by a Smoak solo shot. The Rockies pulled closer in the fourth inning as Jordan Pacheco singled in Michael Cuddyer. Seattle shot back in the sixth inning as Mike Carp hit a solo home run. Colorado attempted a ninth inning rally beginning on a Dexter Fowler solo shot, followed by Gonzalez singling to drive in Eric Young, but they only got to 6-4 before losing. Beaven picked up the win while Guthrie was pinned with the loss.

On the Pacific coast, the San Francisco Giants host the Oakland Athletics. Bartolo Colon and Tim Lincecum are the staff aces preparing to pitch. San Francisco got on the board in the second inning as Joaquin Arias hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Angel Pagan. The Giants got another in the third inning as Buster Posey hit a sacrifice fly that scored Brandon Crawford. Oakland took the lead in the fourth inning when Kurt Suzuki singled in Seth Smith before Collin Cowgill singled in both Josh Donaldson and Daric Barton, and then Cowgill darted home on a wild pitch. The Athletics padded the lead with a two-run Josh Reddick home run in the seventh inning, also scoring Cliff Pennington. This made it 6-2, which lasted to be a final, earning Colon the win and handing Lincecum the loss.

Down the coast, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Ervin Santana and Anthony Bass are the serviceable pitchers. Los Angeles opened with a first inning Mark Trumbo double knocking in Mike Trout. The Angels extended the lead in the fifth inning with a Trout solo home run. San Diego tied it in the bottom of the fifth with a 2-RBI Yonder Alonso double scoring both Will Venable and Cameron Maybin. The Padres completed the comeback with a thirteenth inning Venable single scoring pinch-hitter and usual pitcher, Clayton Richard as a game-winning run. In the 3-2 game, Miles Mikolas was in line for the win while David Pauley was pinned with the loss.

Finally, we end in Los Angeles as the Dodgers host the St. Louis Cardinals for the National League game to close out the weekend of interleague play. Kyle Lohse and Chad Billingsley take the mound tonight. Los Angeles began with a first inning Andre Ethier single scoring Elian Herrera. The Dodgers added on in the fourth inning as James Loney grounded into a double play, allowing Bobby Abreu to get home. St. Louis tied it in the fifth inning as Skip Schumaker tripled, forcing in Daniel Descalso and Rafael Furcal, and they got the lead with Carlos Beltran grounding into a fielder's choice, bringing in Schumaker. The Cardinals extended the lead in the sixth inning when Furcal singled to score both Matt Adams and Descalso. Los Angeles replied in their half of the sixth as Loney singled, driving in Adam Kennedy. The Dodgers got the lead again in the seventh inning with a three-run home run by Scott Van Slyke, sweeping in Herrera and Abreu. This held up for a 6-5 win, picked up by Javy Guerra, while Kenley Jansen pitched a clean ninth inning for the save, and Marc Rzepczynski was on the hook for the loss.

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MLB Day 48 2012

Saturday baseball, interleague play, what more can we ask for? We begin in an American League ballpark this time as...

The New York Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Ivan Nova are the underrated starters. Cincinnati quickly took a lead in the first inning as Brandon Phillips singled in Drew Stubbs. The Reds added on in the second inning as Chris Heisey doubled to score Devin Mesoraco. New York got on the board in the third inning with a Russell Martin solo home run. The Yankees tied it in the fourth inning as Raul Ibanez doubled, driving in Robinson Cano. Cincinnati took the lead back in the fifth inning when Joey Votto launched a three-run home run, also scoring Wilson Valdez and Stubbs. New York answered in their half of the inning with a solo shot by Jayson Nix. The Reds shot back in the eighth inning as mike Costanzo hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Phillips. The Yankees attempted a ninth inning rally as Nick Swisher singled, scoring Ibanez, before he finishing his trip on a Nix single, but they couldn't obtain an equalizer, falling 6-5. Bailey got the win, Jose Arredondo turned the save, and Nova was strong but inefficient in taking the loss.

North of the border, the Toronto Blue Jays host the other New York team, the Mets. Miguel Batista and Brandon Morrow take their turns in the rotation. Toronto got going in the fifth inning as Kelly Johnson doubled in Jeff Mathis, followed by Yunel Escobar singling to finish Johnson's trip around. This stood throughout as a 2-0 win, with Morrow going the distance and only allowing 3 hits and a walk for a complete game shutout, while Jeremy Hefner was stuck with the loss after spelling Batista's abbreviated start.

Back stateside, the Detroit Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett and Drew Smyly will be sent out to pitch. Pittsburgh started quickly with a two-run home run by Andrew McCutchen in the first inning, also scoring Josh Harrison. Detroit tied it in the third inning as Prince Fielder hit a two-run home run of his own, sweeping in Andy Dirks. The Pirates got the lead back as McCutchen hit another two run homer in the fifth inning, scoring Harrison again. The Tigers took one back in the seventh inning as Miguel Cabrera scored on a passed ball. This was it for the scoring, leaving Burnett with the win while Joel Hanrahan turned the save and Smyly was on the hook for the loss.

Down in Ohio, the Cleveland Indians host the Miami Marlins. Anibal Sanchez and Jeanmar Gomez get the starting nods. Cleveland opened with a fourth inning solo home run by Asdrubal Cabrera. The Indians added on as Jason Kipnis hit a fifth inning sacrifice fly to knock in Shelley Duncan. The final stood from here at 2-0, with Gomez getting the win, Chris Perez converting the save, and Sanchez getting no run support in the loss.

Out west, the San Francisco Giants host the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Ryan Vogelsong will be throwing. San Francisco finally opened the scoring in the seventh inning on a Melky Cabrera sacrifice fly that allowed Emmanuel Burriss to dart home, followed by a Buster Posey ground rule double that got Vogelsong across the plate, and then an Angel Pagan 2-RBI single scoring both Gregor Blanco and Posey. The final stood at 4-0 for the Giants, with Vogelsong dominant over seven innings allowing just one hit and 1 walk, while Ross got no help in the loss.

Eastward again to Colorado, as the Rockies welcome the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Christian Friedrich are the relatively unknown starters. Seattle led off with a second inning Kyle Seager two-run home run, also scoring Jesus Montero. The Mariners extended the lead in the third inning as Montero singled to drive in Casper Wells, followed by Seager singling in Ichiro. Seattle added on in the fourth inning as the pitcher Vargas singled to score Brendan Ryan. The Mariners kept going in the sixth inning when Dustin Ackley doubled in both Michael Saunders and Ryan, followed by Wells singling home Vargas and Ackley. Colorado got on the board in the seventh inning with a Jordan Pacheco single knocking in Jason Giambi, before he came home on a Willin Rosario two-run home run. Ichiro answered for Seattle in the eighth inning by scoring on a passed ball. This made the score 10-3, with the Mariners holding on to win. Vargas picked up the win while Friedrich took the loss.

Way to the southeast, the Tampa Bay Rays bring in the Atlanta Braves. Randall Delgado and Alex Cobb and the young pitchers. Atlanta was first on the board with a second inning Juan Francisco single to drive in Brian McCann, followed by Eric Hinske's sacrifice fly allowing Jason Heyward to score. Matt Joyce gave Tampa Bay a lead in the third inning with a grand slam, sweeping in Elliot Johnson, Chris Gimenez, and B.J. Upton. Sean Rodriguez added on for the Rays with a solo home run by Sean Rodriguez in the sixth inning. This made it 5-2, a final, with the win going to Cobb, Fernando Rodney converted the save, and Delgado suffered the loss.

Northwest to Milwaukee, with the Brewers hosting the Minnesota Twins. Carl Pavano and Yovani Gallardo are as close as it gets to rhyming in the pitching match. Minnesota struck first with a fourth inning Brian Dozier sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, scoring Ben Revere. Milwaukee tied it in the bottom of the fourth as Jonathan Lucroy singled to drive in Nyjer Morgan. The Twins retook the lead in the sixth inning on another Dozier sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Denard Span. The Brewers tied it again on a Ryan Braun single that gave time for Morgan to dash home. Minnesota got the lead back in the seventh inning as Revere was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in Drew Butera. The Twins added on in the eighth inning as Jamey Carroll hit a single to bring home Alexi Casilla. Milwaukee tied it in the bottom of the eighth with a two-run home run by Aramis Ramirez, also scoring Morgan. Minnesota won it with an eleventh inning solo shot by Trevor Plouffe, making it 5-4 and giving the win to Jeff Gray, while Matt Capps picked up the save and Manny Parra had the loss.

Down in Kansas City, the Royals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Bruce Chen have the green light to start. Kansas City began in the second inning as Chris Getz singled in Mike Moustakas. The Royals padded the lead in the third inning with a two-run Billy Butler home run, also scoring Alcides Escobar. Kansas City struck again in the fourth inning as Moustakas hit a solo home run. The Royals kept going in the fifth inning when Eric Hosmer singled, allowing Escobar safe passage home before Butler hit a sacrifice fly to bring around Jarrod Dyson. Kansas City stayed at it in the sixth inning as Dyson's sacrifice fly gave Moustakas time to dash home. Arizona got on the board in the seventh inning with Ryan Roberts doubling to drive in Paul Goldschmidt, before coming the rest of the way home as Willie Bloomquist singled. The Diamondbacks chipped away in the eighth inning with a Jason Kubel sacrifice fly to score Justin Upton. The final would stand from here at 7-3, with the win going to Chen and the loss was dealt to Kennedy.

Northeast to Philadelphia, with the Phillies hosting the Boston Red Sox. Jon Lester and Joe Blanton will play from the mound. Boston wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning with a Mike Aviles solo home run. The Red Sox added on in the second inning when Daniel Nava reached on an error to allow Jarrod Saltalamacchia to get home before Lester grounded into a double play to bring in Ryan Sweeney. Philadelphia got on the board in the third inning as Shane Victorino doubled to score John Mayberry. Boston shot back in the fourth inning with solo home runs by both Will Middlebrooks and Saltalamacchia. The Phillies got them back and then some in the bottom of the fourth as Hector Luna singled in Carlos Ruiz before finishing his trip around on a two-run home run by Freddy Galvis. The Red Sox extended the lead in the fifth as David Ortiz hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Dustin Pedroia. Philadelphia got one back in the eighth inning with Jimmy Rollins singling in Ty Wigginton. They couldn't manage to tie it, falling 7-5, with Lester collecting the win, Alfredo Aceves turning the save, and Blanton taking the loss.

Over to the battle of Chicago, with the Cubs hosting the White Sox. John Danks and Ryan Dempster pace the game. The White Sox were first on the board with a Dayan Viciedo single in the first inning, scoring Alejandro De Aza. The White Sox added on in the third inning with Viciedo hitting a two-run home run, also scoring Adam Dunn, followed by a solo shot from A.J. Pierzynski. The White Sox got another in the eighth inning as Dunn hit a solo home run, followed by Alexei Ramirez singling in Pierzynski, De Aza drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in Alex Rios. The Cubs got on the board in the ninth inning as Alfonso Soriano hit a two-run home run, knocking in Darwin Barney, followed by another two-run blast from Joe Mather to sweep in Jeff Baker, making the final sit at 7-4, with the win going to Danks while Dempster took the loss.

Another regional battle rages in Texas, with the Houston Astros hosting the Texas Rangers. Derek Holland and Lucas Harrell have the pitching duties. Texas opened things up in the third inning as Adrian Beltre singled in Elvis Andrus before David Murphy hit an inside the park three-run home run, sweeping in Beltre and Michael Young. Houston answered in the bottom of the third with a Chris Snyder solo home run. The Astros pulled closer in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Carlos Lee, also scoring Justin Maxwell. Houston took the lead as Maxwell hit a two-run long ball in the fifth inning, knocking in Jose Altuve. The Astros added on in the sixth inning on a Travis Buck double, bringing in J.D. Martinez. The Rangers got one back in the seventh inning as John Hamilton hit a sacrifice fly to allow safe passage home for Andrus. They never tied it, falling 6-5 to Harrell, who had the win, while Brett Myers tossed the save as his tenth of the season, and Holland was stuck holding the loss.

Into the nation's capital, as the Washington Nationals host their close American League neighbors, the Baltimore Orioles. Jason Hammel and Ross Detwiler will be pitching. Baltimore started in the second inning as Robert Andino singled, scoring both Wilson Betemit and Xavier Avery. The Orioles added on in the third inning with a two-run home run by Adam Jones, also scoring Nick Markakis. Baltimore padded the lead in the fifth inning as Markakis went yard with a two-run homer, sweeping in Andino. Washington got on the board in the bottom of the fifth when Steve Lombardozzi singled, scoring Roger Bernadina. The Nationals chipped away in the sixth inning as Rick Ankiel doubled in Ryan Zimmerman, followed by a Carlos Maldonado groundout that allowed Adam LaRoche to cross the plate, and then Bernadina singled to finish Ankiel's trip around. The final came here, at 6-4, with Hammel earning the win, Jim Johnson recording his fifteenth save of the season, and Detwiler getting pinned with the loss.

Out in California, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Dan Haren opposes a lesser foe in Eric Stults for pitching. Los Angeles was first on the board as Erick Aybar tripled in the second inning, forcing in Howie Kendrick. San Diego got on the board in the third inning with a Cameron Maybin sacrifice fly providing time for Alexi Amarista to dash home. The Angels got the lead back in the fifth inning as Mike Trout grounded out to give Aybar time to cross the plate. The Padres retied it in their half of the fifth, as Maybin singled, driving in Amarista. San Diego took the lead in the seventh inning on an Amarista double knocking in Nick Hundley. This made it 3-2, which stood as a final, with Luke Gregerson in line for the win, Dale Thayer picking up the save, and Haren taking the loss.

Up to our finale today, as the only National League game features the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Westbrook and Clayton Kershaw are the talented young arms. Los Angeles led off in the fourth inning when Adam Kennedy reached on an error to bring in both Bobby Abreu and Andre Ethier. The Dodgers extended the lead in the seventh inning on a Justin Sellers solo home run followed by Tony Gwynn, Jr. singling in the pitcher Kershaw, before he finished his trip on a wild pitch, and then Ethier singled home Abreu. The final was 6-0, with Kershaw allowing only six hits for a complete game shutout, while Westbrook had little help in the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 47 2012

Welcome to interleague play for the weekend. We begin in a National League ballpark...

As the Chicago Cubs host their south Chicago neighbors, the White Sox. Philip Humber and Jeff Samardzija were given the starts. The White Sox started in the first inning as Paul Konerko hit a two-run home run, also scoring Gordon Beckham. The Cubs pulled back in their half of the inning when Starlin Castro hit a sacrifice fly, allowing David DeJesus to get home. The Cubs tied it in the seventh inning on a single by the pitcher Samardzija, scoring Ian Stewart. The White Sox got the lead back in the eighth inning when Beckham hit a solo shot. This made it 3-2, a final, giving Humber a win, while Addison Reed turned the save and Samardzija took a tough loss.

Over in Philadelphia, the Phillies host the Boston Red Sox. Daniel Bard opposes Cole Hamels on the mound. Philadelphia rallied to a first inning lead as Carlos Ruiz singled in both Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino, followed by a Ty Wigginton sacrifice fly to bring in Hunter Pence and a John Mayberry doubling finishing Ruiz's trip. Boston got on the board in the third inning with a solo home run by Mike Aviles. The Red Sox got another back in the fourth inning with a Daniel Nava sacrifice fly allowing Cody Ross to dart home. The Phillies answered in the fifth inning with a Pence solo home run. Boston struck again in the sixth inning as Ross hit a solo shot. The Red Sox pulled closer with an eighth inning Adrian Gonzalez solo home run. Philadelphia shot back in the bottom of the eighth when Freddy Galvis hit a solo shot. This made it 6-4, allowing Hamels getting the win, Jonathan Papelbon throwing the save against his old team, and Bard stuck with the loss.

Down in New York, the Yankees host the Cincinnati Reds. Bronson Arroyo and Andy Pettitte play from the mound. New York was first to score as Alex Rodriguez grounded out in the fourth inning, giving time to get Curtis Granderson home safely. The Yankees added on in the eighth inning as Robinson Cano hit a solo home run, followed by a two-run long ball by Raul Ibanez, also scoring Rodriguez. This made it 4-0, with the win going to Pettitte and the loss to Arroyo.

Back west, the Cleveland Indians host the Miami Marlins. Carlos Zambrano and Justin Masterson receive the starting nods. Cleveland opened in the second inning as Casey Kotchman doubled in Johnny Damon and Shin-Soo Choo singled to finish Kotchman's trip around. Miami got one back in the third inning as Omar Infante grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Bryan Petersen. The Marlins tied it in the sixth inning as Greg Dobbs hit a sacrifice fly, bringing in Infante. Miami took the lead in the eighth inning on Hanley Ramirez's sacrifice fly, scoring Petersen. This stood as a 3-2 lead, going to the end to give Zambrano the win, Heath Bell the save, and Tony Sipp took the loss.

Up in Detroit, the Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Charlie Morton has the unenviable task of pitching against Justin Verlander. Detroit quickly gained a lead in the first inning when Miguel Cabrera doubled in Andy Dirks before finishing his trip on a Prince Fielder double. The Tigers added on in the fourth inning as Delmon Young hit a solo home run, followed by Don Kelly singling to score Alex Avila. Detroit extended the lead in the seventh inning as Young doubled, driving in both Kelly and Fielder. This was all they needed to win 6-0, with Verlander allowing just one hit and two walks while going the distance for a complete game shutout, and Morton doing not nearly as well in the loss.

Into another geographic rivalry, as the Washington Nationals host their American League neighbors, the Baltimore Orioles. Jake Arrieta and Edwin Jackson are tabbed to start. Baltimore began with a first inning Adam Jones single, scoring Xavier Avery. Washington tied it in the sixth inning as Ian Desmond hit a solo home run. The Orioles took the lead in the eleventh inning on a Nick Markakis solo shot, and this stood for a 2-1 final. Kevin Gregg was in line for the win, Pedro Strop converted the save, and Ryan Mattheus got stuck holding the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays welcome the New York Mets. Jonathon Niese and Ricky Romero are handed the ball. Toronto established an early lead with a three-run home run in the first inning off the bat of J.P. Arencibia, sweeping in Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar. New York got one back in the second inning as Rob Johnson grounded out, bringing home Daniel Murphy. The Blue Jays shot back in the bottom of the second with a solo home run by Yan Gomes, followed by a Jose Bautista single to score Johnson. Toronto added on again in the fourth inning as Arencibia hit a solo shot and Rajai Davis hit a two-run home run, also scoring Eric Thames. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the fifth inning with another two-run homer by Davis, forcing in Gomes. Toronto kept going in the sixth inning with a 2-RBI single by Arencibia, scoring both Escobar and Bautista, followed by Thames singling in Edwin Encarnacion and Gomes hitting a sacrifice fly, finishing off Arencibia's trip around. The Mets pulled back in the eighth inning as Murphy grounded out to get Andres Torres home before Scott Hairston hit a three-run home run, clearing the bases of Justin Turner and Lucas Duda. The final stood at 14-5 Blue Jays, giving Romero the win, while Niese had an ugly loss.

Back stateside, the Tampa Bay Rays host the Atlanta Braves. Staff aces Tommy Hanson and James Shields make the starts. Atlanta began in the first inning when Freddie Freeman singled home Martin Prado. The Braves added on in the second inning as Chipper Jones scored on a wild pitch. Tampa Bay got it back in the bottom of the second as Elliot Johnson laid down a successful bunt single, allowing Luke Scott to get home. The Rays tied it in the third inning when Scott's sacrifice fly brought in B.J. Upton. Atlanta retook the lead in the fifth inning as Freeman doubled, knocking in Prado followed by Brian McCann singling to finish Freeman's trip around. The Braves got another in the seventh inning as Prado hit a solo home run. Tampa Bay pulled closer in the eighth inning as Scott singled to score Sean Rodriguez. Atlanta held on for a 5-3 win, earned by Hanson, while Craig Kimbrel got the save and Shields suffered the loss.

Westward to the Battle of Texas, as the Houston Astros host the Texas Rangers. Neftali Feliz and Wandy Rodriguez are the reliable starters. Texas busted things open in the third inning on an Adrian Beltre sacrifice fly that scored Ian Kinsler, followed by Nelson Cruz singling to score Josh Hamilton. Houston got on the board in bottom of the third as Jed Lowrie singled in Jose Altuve. The Rangers answered in the fifth inning when Michael Young doubled Beltre across the plate. Texas added on in the seventh inning with a Beltre solo shot. This made it 4-1, a final, with Robbie Ross picking up the win after Feliz had a short outing, Joe Nathan tossed the ninth inning for a save, and Rodriguez was dealt the loss.

North to Kansas City, as the Royals host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe Saunders and Luis Mendoza will pitch. Arizona wasted little time in scoring first with a first inning Miguel Montero double knocking in Justin Upton. Kansas City got the lead in the second inning when Humberto Quintero doubled home both Johnny Giavotella and Mitch Maier. The Royals struck again with a third inning solo home run by Billy Butler. The Diamondbacks pulled closer in the sixth inning with Upton singling Gerardo Parra home safely, before taking the lead on a 2-RBI Chris Young double, scoring both Willie Bloomquist and Upton. Kansas City retied it in the seventh inning as Alex Gordon singled, driving in Irving Falu. Arizona answered to take a lead in the eighth inning with a 2-RBI double from Montero, pushing Bloomquist and Upton home. This made it 6-4, a final, with the win belonging to Brad Ziegler, the save being thrown by J.J. Putz, and the loss pinned on Kelvin Herrera.

Further north, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Minnesota Twins. Scott Diamond and Marco Estrada are the relatively unknown pitchers. Minnesota led off with a two-run home run by Josh Willingham, also scoring Denard Span. Milwaukee got one back in their half of the inning with a Ryan Braun fielder's choice, allowing safe passage home for Corey Hart. The Brewers tied it in the third inning as Norichika Aoki doubled to bring Hart home. The Twins retook the lead with a fifth inning Joe Mauer double scoring both Diamond and Span. Minnesota extended the lead in the sixth inning as Span singled in both Justin Morneau and Alexi Casilla. Milwaukee shot back in the bottom of the sixth with Braun hitting a solo home run. The Twins answered with a seventh inning Morneau sacrifice fly allowing Mauer to dash home. Minnesota made the lead comfortable in the eighth inning as Span singled to drive in Ben Revere, Mauer doubled to finish Span's trip around, and Morneau hit a 2-RBI single that scored both Brian Dozier and Mauer. This made it an 11-3 final, with the win going to Diamond, while Estrada was on the hook for the loss.

Southwest to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Seattle Mariners. Kevin Millwood and Alex White are the struggling pitchers. Seattle got things going in the first inning as Kyle Seager singled in Michael Saunders. The Mariners added on with a second inning Mike Carp solo home run. Seattle struck again in the sixth inning as Seager hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Ichiro to dash home. This made it 4-0, which held up for a win, earned by Millwood, who allowed only two hits and a walk in the complete game shutout, while White took the loss.

Out in California, the San Diego Padres host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Jered Weaver goes against a lesser foe in Jeff Suppan on the hill. Los Angeles got on the board as Bobby Wilson grounded into a double play, allowing Vernon Wells to dart home in the second inning. The Angels added on in the fifth inning as Mike Trout tripled home the pitcher Weaver, before coming the final 90 feet on a Mark Trumbo double, and then Wells grounded into a fielder's choice to bring in Albert Pujols. San Diego got on the board with a sixth inning Will Venable solo home run. The Padres chipped away in the seventh inning on a fielder's choice by Alexi Amarista that gave time for Jesus Guzman to get home. Los Angeles iced it in the ninth inning as Howie Kendrick singled Maicer Izturis in before coming home alongside Pujols on an Erick Aybar double for a 7-2 final. Weaver notched the win while Suppan had the loss. 

Just a bit to the north, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the St. Louis Cardinals for the only National League series this weekend. Lance Lynn and Ted Lilly pace the game. Los Angeles was first to score as James Loney doubled in Adam Kennedy, before he came home on an A.J. Ellis single, and A.J. Ellis was forced in when Tony Gwynn, Jr. tripled. St. Louis got on the board in the third inning with Rafael Furcal hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in Tyler Greene, followed by Matt Carpenter singling to drive in Shane Robinson before coming home a two-run home run by Matt Holliday. The Dodgers retied it in the bottom of the third as Kennedy singled Mark Ellis across the dish. Los Angeles struck again in the seventh inning when Loney singled in Andre Ethier. The Cardinals tied it in the ninth inning as Lance Berkman hit a solo home run. The Dodgers got the last laugh, winning in the bottom of the ninth on an A.J. Ellis walkoff walk, forcing in Elian Herrera for the 6-5 victory. Kenley Jansen was in line for the win after blowing the save, and Fernando Salas' lack of control led to the loss.

Finally, in Northern California, the San Francisco Giants host their cross-bay rivals, the Oakland Athletics. Jarrod Parker and Barry Zito take their turns in the rotation. San Francisco drew first blood in the second inning as Brandon Belt singled Angel Pagan home before crossing the plate after a Joaquin Arias sacrifice fly. Oakland got one back in the third inning as Josh Donaldson hit a solo home run. The Giants answered in their half of the inning on a Brandon Crawford double to knock in Gregor Blanco, followed by being Crawford forced in when Belt drew a bases-loaded walk, Hector Sanchez hitting a sacrifice fly to plate Melky Cabrera, and Zito walking with the bases loaded, requiring Pagan to cross home. San Francisco padded the lead in the fourth inning as Belt lifted a sacrifice fly to get Cabrera home and Sanchez doubled to knock in Pagan. The Athletics got one back in the fifth inning when Donaldson doubled Daric Barton in. Oakland chipped away in the sixth inning as Cliff Pennington singled to drive in Jemile Weeks, before Donaldson cleared the bases with a double, sweeping in all of Pennington, Kurt Suzuki, and Barton. They never tied it, losing 8-6, with Zito getting the win, Santiago converting his tenth save of the season, and Parker took an ugly loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 46 2012

Full slate on the last day of regular games for awhile. Over half of the day's games came in the morning or afternoon. We begin with...

The Cleveland Indians hosting the Seattle Mariners. Hector Noesi and Zach McAllister are the relatively unknown pitchers. Seattle started in the third inning as Michael Saunders grounded out to score Brendan Ryan. The Mariners added on in the fifth inning as John Jaso darted safely home on a passed ball. Seattle padded the lead in the sixth inning with Jaso doubling to score Kyle Seager before coming home on a Ryan single. Cleveland got on the board in the seventh inning as Asdrubal Cabrera singled home Casey Kotchman. The Indians tied it in the eighth inning as Jose Lopez hit a three-run home run, sweeping in Carlos Santana and Kotchman. The Mariners retook the lead in the eleventh inning on a Saunders double to knock in Dustin Ackley. Cleveland rallied to 6-5 win in the bottom of the eleventh as Cabrera singled home Lopez to tie the game and Santana singled to drive in Jason Kipnis for the win. Joe Smith was in line for the win while Brandon League blew up in the loss.

Up in Detroit, the Tigers host the Minnesota Twins. P.J. Walters and Doug Fister wake up early to start. Minnesota drew first blood with a third inning Justin Morneau two-run home run, also scoring Josh Willingham, followed by a solo home run by Trevor Plouffe. The Twins added on in the fifth inning as Morneau grounded out, providing Willingham time to get home. Detroit got on the board in the bottom of the fifth with a Brennan Boesch solo home run. The Tigers pulled closer in the sixth with both Andy Dirks and Prince Fielder hitting solo shots. They never tied it up, falling 4-3, with Walters earning the win, Matt Capps turning the save, and Fister suffering the loss.

East into New York, where the Mets host the Cincinnati Reds. Mat Latos and R.A. Dickey are the reliable starters. Cincinati got started with a fourth inning Joey Votto solo home run. The Reds rallied to extend the lead in the fifth inning when Ryan Hanigan doubled in Ryan Ludwick, Latos hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Todd Frazier, and Hanigan completed his trip by scoring on a passed ball. New York got on the board in the bottom of the fifth with Lucas Duda doubling to score both Andres Torres and David Wright. The Mets pulled closer in the sixth inning when Mike Baxter hit a sacrifice fly, allowing safe passage home for Ike Davis. New York tied it in the seventh inning on a Justin Turner sacrifice fly to bring around Wright. The Mets rallied in the eighth inning to a large lead as Wright doubled, knocking in Rob Johnson, Turner singling to finish Wright's trip around the bases, and Ronny Cedeno lifting a three-run home run, also scoring Daniel Murphy and Turner. This made it 9-4, a final, with Bobby Parnell earning the win and Logan Ondrusek taking the loss.

Down in Texas, the Rangers host the Oakland Athletics. Brandon McCarthy and Matt Harrison are the young arms taking the mound. Oakland quickly opened in the first inning when Jonny Gomes doubled to score Cliff Pennington before coming home alongside Josh Reddick on a Kurt Suzuki double. Texas got some back in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Mitch Moreland, also scoring Mike Napoli. The Rangers took the lead in the sixth inning with a Moreland solo home run followed by Elvis Andrus reaching on a fielder's choice, allowing Craig Gentry to dart home. The Athletics tied it in the seventh inning as Reddick hit a solo shot. Oakland won 5-4 in the tenth inning on a Kile Ka'aihue single, driving in Gomes. Ryan Cook was in line for the win, Brian Fuentes converted the save, and Mike Adams was stuck with the loss.

Up to Kansas City, with the Royals hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Struggling pitchers Brian Matusz and Luke Hochevar will be given another turn. Kansas City scored first in the third inning as Humberto Quintero doubled in both Alcides Escobar and Irving Falu before coming home on a Johnny Giavotella single. Baltimore pulled back in the fourth inning as Adam Jones hit a two-run home run, also scoring Nick Markakis. The Orioles gained the lead in the seventh inning on a Chris Davis single, which combined with an error brought in Wilson Betemit, before Davis came home alongside Luis Exposito on a J.J. Hardy single. This held up for a 5-3 win, with Matusz picking up the victory, Jim Johnson turning the save, and Hochevar getting pinned with the loss.

Westward to Colorado, as the Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trevor Cahill and Juan Nicasio will take the hill. Colorado began in the first inning when Troy Tulowitzki hit a two-run home run, also scoring Marco Scutaro. The Rockies added on with a second inning triple by Dexter Fowler, forcing in Tyler Colvin. Arizona got on the board in the fifth inning when Willie Bloomquist singled Aaron Hill across the plate. Colorado answered in their half of the inning as Jordan Pacheco hit a solo home run. The Diamondbacks got some back in the sixth inning when Lyle Overbay singled in Paul Goldschmidt. Arizona chipped away in the seventh inning as Ryan Roberts singled to drive in Jason Kubel. The Diamondbacks gained the lead in the eighth inning when Bloomquist, Kubel, Goldschmidt, and Roberts all singled, scoring in the following order: Gerardo Parra, Bloomquist, Justin Upton, and Kubel. The Rockies tied it in their half of the eighth inning as Fowler drew a bases-loaded walk, squeezing in Carlos Gonzalez, Michael Cuddyer reached on an error to bring around Todd Helton, and Scutaro also walked with the bases loaded to force in Eric Young. Arizona got the last laugh, taking a 9-7 lead in the ninth inning with Upton's two run long ball, also scoring Parra. This held up for a victory, with the win going to Brad Ziegler, the save converted by J.J. Putz, and the loss handed to Rafael Betancourt.

Into California, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Chicago White Sox. Chris Sale and C.J. Wilson were handed the ball. Chicago got going in the third inning as A.J. Pierzynski singled in Paul Konerko. The White Sox extended the lead in the fourth inning on an Adam Dun single, knocking in both Dayan Viciedo and Brent Morel, followed by Konerko singling to score Alejandro De Aza. Los Angeles got on the board with a sixth inning solo home run by Albert Pujols. Chicago answered in the eighth inning as Viciedo hit a solo shot. The White Sox made it 6-1, an eventual final, in the ninth inning as Pierzynski singled home Eduardo Escobar. Sale earned the win while Wilson suffered the loss.

Up in San Francisco, the Giants host the St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Wainwright and Matt Cain are the pair of aces pitching. St. Louis began with a pair of first inning sacrifice flies, as Matt Holliday and David Freese popped up to allow Skip Schumaker and Matt Carpenter to get home. San Francisco shot back in the bottom of the first as Buster Posey singled in Brandon Crawford. The Giants grabbed the lead in the second inning on a Crawford single, scoring both Emmanuel Burriss and Gregor Blanco. The Cardinals reclaimed the lead in the third inning on a two-run home run by Holliday, also scoring Carpenter. San Francisco answered back in the sixth inning when Burriss hit a sacrifice fly, providing time for Angel Pagan to come home, followed by Aubrey Huff reaching on an error, which got Brandon Belt home. The Giants padded the lead with a seventh inning Belt double, scoring Posey, followed by Charlie Culberson grounding into a fielder's choice to score Pagan. St. Louis got one back with an eighth inning Yadier Molina solo home run, but it wasn't enough to save them from a 7-5 defeat. Cain was in line for the win, Santiago Casilla picked up the save, and Wainwright took the loss.

Back to the east coast, as the Washington Nationals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. James McDonald and Jordan Zimmermann were tabbed to start. Pittsburgh quickly opened the scoring with a first inning Andrew McCutchen solo home run. The Pirates added on in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Rod Barajas, also scoring Casey McGehee. Pittsburgh padded the lead as McCutchen hit another solo shot in the sixth inning. Washington got on the board in bottom of the sixth as Ryan Zimmerman singled in both Jesus Flores and Steve Lombardozzi, before coming home on an Adam LaRoche triple. The Pirates replied in the seventh inning as Neil Walker hit a fielder's choice providing Josh Harrison time to dash home. The final here stood at 5-3, with McDonald picking up the win, Joel Hanrahan converting the save, and Zimmermann suffering the loss.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the New York Yankees. Phil Hughes and Drew Hutchison take their turns in the rotation. New York was first on the board in the first inning as Robinson Cano doubled in Curtis Granderson. Toronto answered and took the lead in the third inning with a two-run Jose Bautista home run, sweeping in Yunel Escobar. The Blue Jays extended the lead in the seventh inning as J.P. Arencibia hit a two-run home run, also scoring Bautista. This made it 4-1, a final, where Hutchison picked up the win, Casey Janssen earned the save, and Hughes had little support in the loss.

South to Atlanta, where the Braves host the Miami Marlins. Ricky Nolasco and Brandon Beachy pace the game. Atlanta got going early in the first inning as Martin Prado tripled to force in Michael Bourn. The Braves extended the lead in the third inning on a Freddie Freeman solo home run followed by a Brian McCann double, knocking in Dan Uggla. Atlanta padded the lead in the fourth inning as Bourn singled to score Tyler Pastornicky. The Braves rallied to add on again in the fifth inning with three singles by Chipper Jones, Jason Heyward, and the pitcher Beachy to bring home Freeman, Uggla, and Jones, respectively. This made it 7-0, which was a final score. Beachy went the distance, throwing a 5-hit complete game shutout, while Nolasco was far less fortunate in the loss.

Down to Florida, where the Tampa Bay Rays host the Boston Red Sox. Felix Doubront and Matt Moore are the young pitchers. Boston opened with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Cody Ross, forcing in Mike Aviles in the first inning. The Red Sox added on in the second inning with a Marlon Byrd solo home run. Ross extended the Boston lead with a solo shot of his own in the third inning. Tampa Bay got on the board in the bottom of the third as Jeff Keppinger singled B.J. Upton across the plate. The Rays pulled closer in the fourth inning as Rich Thompson singled to score Sean Rodriguez. The Red Sox answered in the eighth inning when Ross singled home both Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz. Tampa Bay shot back in their half of the inning as Upton singled, knocking in Matt Joyce. The final stood at 5-3 Boston, with Doubront getting the win, Alfredo Aceves turning the save, and Moore taking another loss.

Westward to Houston, where the Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Shaun Marcum and J.A. Happ are the veteran pitchers. Houston busted things open in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Jed Lowrie, also scoring Carlos Lee, followed by Chris Snyder singling in Brian Bogusevic and Jordan Schafer hitting a single to finish Snyder's trip around. This little outburst proved to be the only scoring in the game, lifting the Astros to a 4-0 win, earned by Happ, while Marcum had no run support in the loss.

Up in Chicago, the Cubs host the Philadelphia Phillies. Roy Halladay opposes a lesser foe in Chris Volstad. Philadelphia wasted little time in scoring in the first inning as Carlos Ruiz singled in Jimmy Rollins. Chicago answered in their half of the inning as Starlin Castro hit a sacrifice fly to bring home David DeJesus. The Phillies got the lead back in the second inning on a Shane Victorino groundout that allowed safe passage home for Halladay, followed by a 2-RBI single by Hunter Pence, finishing the trips of Rollins and Juan Pierre. Philadelphia struck again in the fifth inning as Ruiz singled to drive in Pence. The Cubs got one back in the seventh inning on a Castro solo home run. The Phillies padded the lead in the eighth inning as both Halladay and Rollins scored while Pence reached first base on an error. Chicago chipped away in the bottom of the eighth as Welington Castillo hit a solo shot. The Cubs attempted a ninth inning rally as Castillo doubled in all of Tony Campana, Jeff Baker, and Ian Stewart, before he came home on a Darwin Barney single, but Jonathan Papelbon closed the door there and preserved an 8-7 win, while Halladay got the win and Volstad suffered the loss.

Finally, we end in Southern California, with the San Diego Padres welcoming the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Harang and Edinson Volquez will take the mound. Los Angeles led off in the first inning with a Bobby Abreu triple forcing in Dee Gordon before he came home the final 90 feet on an Andre Ethier single. The Dodgers added on in the second inning with Gordon hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in A.J. Ellis. Los Angeles kept going in the fifth inning when Ethier reached on an error, allowing Abreu to dash home and then James Loney doubled to finish Ethier's trip around. The Dodgers padded the lead in the seventh inning as Ellis singled Ethier across the plate followed by the pitcher Harang singling in Adam Kennedy. Los Angeles struck once more in the ninth inning as Ellis singled to score Kennedy. San Diego avoided the shutout in the bottom of the ninth with a Chris Denorfia single bringing home Chase Headley for an 8-1 final. Harang picked up the win while Volquez was stuck with the loss.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 45 2012

Another full slate with mostly typical game times. We start on the West Coast...

As the San Diego Padres host their northern neighbors, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chris Capuano and Clayton Richard make the starts. Los Angeles started off with a first inning double by Elian Herrera, knocking in Tony Gwynn, Jr., before he came home on a sacrifice fly by Andre Ethier. San Diego got one back in their half of the inning as Chase Headley hit a solo home run. The Padres took the lead in the sixth inning as Headley doubled home Cameron Maybin and Chris Denorfia. San Diego added on in the seventh inning as Maybin drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Orlando Hudson. This made it 4-2, which stood as a final, with the win going to Richard, the save to Dale Thayer, and the loss was stuck upon Capuano.

Eastward to Cleveland, with the Indians hosting the Seattle Mariners. Felix Hernandez and Ubaldo Jimenez are the well-known starters. Seattle began in the first inning as Ichiro grounded out to score Dustin Ackley. Cleveland rallied to answer in the bottom of the first, beginning with Shin-Soo Choo scoring on a passed ball, Travis Hafner grounding out to bring home Jason Kipnis, and Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana both scoring on errors during the same play. The Mariners got some back in the third inning with a two-run Ackley home run, sweeping in Brendan Ryan. The Indians answered in the fourth inning as Kipnis doubled, driving in Choo, before he completed his trip on a Hafner double, and Hafner came home as Santana ripped a double, followed by a Michael Brantley single finishing Santana's trip. Cleveland padded the lead with a Hafner solo shot in the sixth inning. This made it 9-3, which was a final, with Jimenez getting the win while Hernandez took an ugly loss.

Further east, the Washington Nationals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Erik Bedard and Gio Gonzalez are the AL-West defectors as starting pitchers. Washington opened with a first inning Ryan Zimmerman groundout, scoring Bryce Harper. The Nationals padded the lead with a third inning Ian Desmond solo home run. Pittsburgh got on the board with a fifth inning Josh Harrison single, driving in Yamaico Navarro. Washington responded in the sixth inning with a pair of solo shots by Adam LaRoche and Xavier Nady. The Pirates pulled closer in the seventh inning as Harrison hit a two-run home run, also scoring Rod Barajas. The Nationals sped away with a 3-RBI double in the bottom of the seventh off the bat of LaRoche, forcing in Jesus Flores, Harper, and Zimmerman. Pittsburgh answered in the eighth inning on a Casey McGehee sacrifice fly, allowing Jose Tabata to dart home safely. They couldn't get closer, falling 7-4 at the hands of winning pitcher Gonzalez, while Henry Rodriguez turned the save cleanly, and Bedard was stuck holding the loss.

Northwest to Detroit, as the Tigers host the Minnesota Twins. Nick Blackburn and Rick Porcello are the mid-rotation starters. Minnesota quickly got a lead in the first inning with Joe Mauer doubling in Brian Dozier before coming in on a Josh Willingham double. Detroit got one back in the bottom of the first as Prince Fielder hit a sacrifice fly allowing Austin Jackson to dash home. The Twins padded the lead in the second inning with a three-run home run by Dozier, sweeping in Jamey Carroll and Erik Komatsu. The Tigers took the lead eventually in the bottom of the second with a rally starting with four singles by Ramon Santiago, Jackson, Andy Dirks, and Miguel Cabrera, plating Ryan Raburn, Brennan Boesch, Santiago, and Jackson in that order, before Fielder hit another sacrifice fly to bring in Dirks as the go-ahead run. Minnesota retied it in the third inning when Ryan Doumit singled, allowing Willingham to score. Detroit got the lead back in the fifth inning with Cabrera doubling home Dirks. The Twins retook the lead in the sixth inning with a 2-RBI Carroll double, scoring both Doumit and Alexi Casilla. Minnesota struck again in the seventh inning as Casilla singled Willingham across the plate. The Twins padded the lead with a two-run homer in the ninth inning off the bat of Trevor Plouffe, forcing in Drew Butera, making the eventual final 11-7, with the win going to Alex Burnett while the loss went to Duane Below.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the New York Yankees. Hiroki Kuroda and Kyle Drabek take their turns in the rotation. Toronto got things going in the second inning as J.P. Arencibia hit a two-run home run, also scoring Brett Lawrie. The Blue Jays padded the lead in the third inning with a three-run homer from Edwin Encarnacion, sweeping in Eric Thames and Jose Bautista. Toronto kept going in the fourth inning when Kelly Johnson singled to knock in Arencibia. The Blue Jays got another in the fifth inning as Bautista went yard for a solo shot. New York got on the board in the sixth inning as Mark Teixeira singled in Robinson Cano. Toronto responded in the seventh inning as Johnson hit a solo home run. This made it 8-1, which was a final, with the win going to Drabek and the loss to Kuroda.

Back stateside, the Atlanta Braves host the Miami Marlins. Mark Buehrle and Mike Minor were tabed the starters. Atlanta wasted little time in scoring first in the first inning as Freddie Freeman grounded out to bring home Tyler Pastornicky. Miami gained the lead in the fourth inning as Austin Kearns doubled in both Omar Infante and Hanley Ramirez before coming home on a Emilio Bonifacio single. The Marlins struck again in the fifth inning as Jose Reyes stole home, Gaby Sanchez singled to score Infante, and Bonifacio did the same for Giancarlo Stanton. The Braves got some back in the sixth inning when Dan Uggla singled to drive in Martin Prado, Brian McCann grounded out to score Freeman, and Uggla crossed home safely on a Matt Diaz groundout. Miami replied in the seventh inning as Stanton hit a two-run home run, sweeping in Bryan Petersen. This stood for an 8-4 victory, with the win going to Buehrle and the loss to Minor.

North again, as the New York Mets host the Cincinnati Reds. Mike Leake and Johan Santana are on the hill. Cincinnati was first on the board with a third inning Zack Cozart double to score the pitcher Leake. New York tied it on a Lucas Duda single, driving in Mike Baxter in the bottom of the third. The Mets gained the lead in the sixth inning as Ike Davis doubled home Duda and Mike Nickeas sacrificed to bring home Daniel Murphy. The Reds got one back in the seventh inning as Todd Frazier hit a solo home run. Cincinnati rallied to a lead in the eighth inning as Brandon Phillips singled in Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce hit a sacrifice fly to get Joey Votto home safely, followed by a two-run Frazier long ball, also scoring Phillips. The final stuck at 6-3, with the win going to Jose Arredondo, the save being converted by Sean Marshall, and the loss being dealt to Jon Rauch.

South to Tampa Bay, where the Rays host the Boston Red Sox. Clay Buchholz and Jeremy Hellickson are the young pitchers. Tampa Bay struck first with a second inning walk by Will Rhymes that coupled with a balk to get Carlos Pena across the plate. Boston tied it in the fourth inning as Daniel Nava singled in Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Rays got the lead in the sixth inning as Luke Scott hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Matt Joyce safe passage home. This stood for a 2-1 win, with Hellickson earning the victory, Fernando Rodney converting the save, and Buchholz taking a hard-luck loss.

Down to Houston, as the Astros host the Milwaukee Brewers. Randy Wolf and Bud Norris received the starting nods. Houston began in the second inning when Jed Lowrie doubled in Carlos Lee before scoring on a Justin Maxwell single. The Astros added on in the third inning with Lee singling in both Norris and Jose Altuve, followed by Lowrie reaching on an error to bring home J.D. Martinez. Milwaukee got on the board in the fourth inning with Corey Hart hitting a solo home run. Houston replied in their half of the inning when Jordan Schafer singled in Jason Castro and then came home on a Martinez sacrifice fly. The Astros added on in the seventh inning with a Lee solo shot. The Brewers attempted a late rally in the ninth inning with Jonathan Lucroy tripling to force in both Aramis Ramirez and Hart, but they still lost by an 8-3 margin. The win belonged to Norris while Wolf was pinned with the loss.

Staying in the state, we head to Arlington, with the Texas Rangers hosting the Oakland Athletics. Tommy Milone opposes Yu Darvish pitching. Oakland opened in the first inning when Josh Reddick hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Jemile Weeks. Texas rallied to a lead in the fourth inning as Adrian Beltre hit a two-run home run, also scoring Josh Hamilton, followed by Craig Gentry singling in Nelson Cruz and Elvis Andrus knocking in Yorbit Torrealba with a single.This held up throughout the rest of the game for a Rangers 4-1 win. The win was earned by Darvish, while Joe Nathan threw the ninth for a save, and Milone suffered the loss.

North a bit to Chicago, as the Cubs host the Philadelphia Phillies. Kyle Kendrick and Matt Garza were handed the ball. Philadelphia started with a second inning Freddy Galvis double, knocking in Carlos Ruiz. Chicago took the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Alfonso Soriano, also scoring Bryan LaHair. The Phillies tied it again in the fifth inning as Shane Victorino singled in the pitcher Kendrick. Philadelphia got the lead in the eighth inning as Ruiz hit a solo home run. The Phillies struck again in the ninth inning as Ty Wigginton singled in both Galvis and Mike Fontenot, followed by a Hector Luna grand slam that swept in all of Jimmy Rollins, Wigginton, and Ruiz, for a 9-2 win, credited to Jose Contreras and the loss going to Shawn Camp.

Back down in Missouri, the Kansas City Royals host the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Hunter and Felipe Paulino are sent out to pitch. Kansas City led off with a fifth inning Humberto Quintero single, scoring both Jeff Francoeur and Alcides Escobar. Baltimore got one back in the eighth inning as Nick Markakis doubled home J.J. Hardy. The Royals answered in their half of the inning with Alex Gordon doubling to drive in Mitch Maier. The Orioles attempted a rally in the ninth inning as Wilson Betemit hit a solo home run, followed by the tying run, Ryan Flaherty, coming home on a Hardy single. Baltimore got the lead in the fifteenth inning as Adam Jones lifted a solo home run, which would be the deciding run for a 4-3 win. Kevin Gregg got the win, Jim Johnson cleanly converted the save, and Nathan Adcock was stuck holding the loss.

Westward to Colorado, with the Rockies hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin and Jamie Moyer are the dueling pitchers. Colorado began with a second inning single from Jordan Pacheco, knocking in Troy Tulowitzki, before he came home alongside Willin Rosario on a Dexter Fowler triple. The Rockies added on in the fourth with the pitcher Moyer singling in both Pacheco and Fowler. Colorado kept going in the fifth inning when Carlos Gonzalez singled, driving in Tyler Colvin. Arizona got one back in the seventh inning as Cody Ransom doubled home John McDonald. This made it 6-1 for Colorado, an eventual final, with Moyer picking up the win and Corbin taking the loss.

Back into California, with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosting the Chicago White Sox. Gavin Floyd and Jerome Williams take the mound. Los Angeles was first to score in the second inning with Erick Aybar doubling home Vernon Wells. Chicago got the lead in the third inning with a Dayan Viciedo solo home run followed by Gordon Beckham doubling to score Alejandro De Aza. The Angels regained the lead with a three-run home run by Albert Pujols, sweeping in Mike Trout and Alberto Callaspo. Los Angeles extended the lead in the sixth inning when Howie Kendrick hit a sacrifice fly to allow Kendrys Morales to score, before Wells went yard on a two-run home run, sweeping in Mark Trumbo. This made it 7-2, a final, with Williams getting the win while Floyd was dealt the loss.

North a tad to finish in San Francisco, as the Giants host the St. Louis Cardinals. Jaime Garcia and Madison Bumgarner pace the game. St. Louis started with a fielder's choice from Allen Craig, allowing safe passage home for Rafael Furcal in the first inning. San Francisco tied it in the sixth inning when Buster Posey singled in Gregor Blanco. The Cardinals got the lead back on a David Freese solo home run in the seventh inning. St. Louis padded the lead in the eighth inning with Skip Schumaker doubling in both Garcia and Furcal. This gave them a 4-1 victory, with the win going to Garcia, the save converted by Jason Motte, and the loss given to Bumgarner.

Follow me on Twitter @KipperScorpion.

MLB Day 44 2012

Six matinee games for a random Tuesday slate. We begin in...

Washington, D.C., as the Nationals host the San Diego Padres. Anthony Bass and Stephen Strasburg will get up early to pitch. San Diego began with a pair of singles in the first inning, as Yonder Alonso hit one to score Will Venable before coming home with Chase Headley on John Baker's single. The Padres added on with a James Darnell solo home run in the third inning. San Diego struck again in the fifth inning as Baker singled, driving in Orlando Hudson. Washington got on the board in the bottom of the fifth as Bryce Harper hit a solo home run. The Padres made it 6-1 in the eighth inning as Venable singled home Baker. This was a final, allowing Bass the win while Strasburg lasted a short time in the loss.

Over to Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Houston Astros. Jordan Lyles is mismatched against Cliff Lee. Philadelphia struck early as Brian Schneider hit a second inning two-run home run, also scoring John Mayberry. The Phillies added on as Hunter Pence hit a solo home run in the sixth inning. Houston shot back with Matt Downs' solo shot in the seventh inning. The Astros rallied to tie in the ninth inning when Carlos Lee singled in Jordan Schafer and J.D. Martinez singled, which combined with an error, led to Brian Bogusevic scoring. Philadelphia won 4-3 in the tenth inning with a walkoff solo shot by Pence. Jake Diekman was in line for the win while Brett Myers was hung on the loss.

Out to Minnesota, as the Twins host the Cleveland Indians. Derek Lowe and Jason Marquis were sent out to start. Cleveland got going in the second inning as Casey Kotchman singled in Carlos Santana. The Indians added on in the third inning with Asdrubal Cabrera hitting a single to knock in Shin-Soo Choo. Cleveland padded the lead in the fifth inning as Choo, Cabrera, and Santana all went yard for solo shots. This made it 5-0, a final, with Lowe going the distance for a 6-hit and 4-walk complete game shutout, while Marquis did far less in the loss.

Down in St. Louis, the Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs. Paul Maholm and Kyle Lohse will make the starts as scheduled. Chicago quickly opened in the first inning with Starlin Castro singling to score David DeJesus, Bryan LaHair grounding into a double play providing Tony Campana time to score, and Ian Stewart singling in Alfonso Soriano. St. Louis answered in their half of the inning as Allen Craig doubled home Skip Schumaker and David Freese grounded out to allow safe passage home for Matt Holliday. The Cardinals tied it in the second inning when Rafael Furcal grounded out, bringing home Tyler Greene. St. Louis took the lead in the fifth inning on a Holliday solo home run. The Cubs answered with LaHair hitting a solo shot in the sixth inning. Chicago pulled ahead in the seventh inning as Reed Johnson singled, driving in Darwin Barney. The Cardinals tied it again in the bottom of the seventh as Craig singled to provide Furcal time to score. Matt Carpenter hit a solo shot in the eighth inning, giving St. Louis the lead once again. The Cubs got an equalizer in the ninth inning as Soriano went yard for a solo home run. The Cardinals would win 7-6 in the bottom of the ninth as Yadier Molina singled, and Holliday came home as the winning run. Jason Motte was in line for the win while Rafael Dolis took the loss.

Speaking of Chicago, we head there with the White Sox hosting the Detroit Tigers. Max Scherzer and Jake Peavy are the equally-matched starters. Chicago busted things open in the first inning as A.J. Pierzynski singled in Alejandro De Aza, and then Gordon Beckham scored on an error. The White Sox padded the lead in the third inning with a solo home run by Paul Konerko, followed by Dayan Viciedo singling Pierzynski across the plate. Chicago added on in the fifth inning when Pierzynski hit a 2-RBI single, scoring both ADam Dunn and Konerko. Detroit gained the lead in the sixth inning as Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run home run that also scored Andy Dirks, Ryan Raburn lifted a three-run home run, sweeping in Prince Fielder and Brennan Boesch, and Austin Jackson went yard on a three-run home run as well, knocking in Jhonny Peralta and Delmon Young for an 8-run inning. The Tigers extended the lead in the seventh with Raburn singling in Alex Avila and Peralta doing the same for Boesch. Chicago attempted a rally in the ninth inning with Alexei Ramirez doubling to plate both Konerko and Pierzynski, but they couldn't tie, losing 10-8. Collin Balester was in line for the win, Octavio Dotel picked up a spot save, and Will Ohman was pinned with the loss.

Back east, the Boston Red Sox hosted the Seattle Mariners. Blake Beaven and Josh Beckett are handed the ball. Boston led off with a third inning David Ortiz solo home run. The Red Sox added on in the fourth inning when Mike Aviles doubled to score Cody Ross and Ryan Sweeney grounded out to bring in Daniel Nava. Boston padded the lead again in the fifth inning as Will Middlebrooks singled, driving in Ortiz. The Red Sox made it 5-0 in the eighth inning as Aviles doubled, scoring Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Beckett earned the win with a very solid performance, and Beaven took the loss with very little run support.

At the normal times, the Baltimore Orioles host the New York Yankees. CC Sabathia and Wei-Yin Chen are the reliable starters. Baltimore began as Adam Jones hit a second inning solo home run. The Orioles added on in the third inning as J.J. Hardy grounded into a double play, allowing Steve Tolleson to get home safely. Baltimore struck again in the fifth inning with Hardy's doubled providing Xavier Avery time to dash home. Hardy went to work again in the sixth inning by singling in Bill Hall for the Orioles.. New York got some back in the seventh inning as Curtis Granderson hit a two-run home run, also scoring Robinson Cano. Baltimore answered as Jones scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the seventh. This produced a 5-2 Orioles final, allowing Chen the win, Jim Johnson the save, and Sabathia took the loss.

Way to the west, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host the Oakland Athletics early. Bartolo Colon and Ervin Santana take the hill. Los Angeles was first to score in the third inning when Alberto Callaspo doubled in Mike Trout before coming home on an Albert Pujols single. The Angels added on in the fifth inning as Pujols singled Trout across the plate. Los Angeles padded the lead as Trout hit a solo home run in the seventh inning. This made it 4-0, a final, with Santana picking up the win and Colon suffering a loss with no run support.

Far northeast, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Tampa Bay Rays. David Price and Henderson Alvarez are assigned to this game. Toronto opened in the third inning with Jose Bautista singling in Rajai Davis before Edwin Encarnacion went yard for a two-run home run to finish Bautista's trip around. Tampa Bay got on the board in the fifth inning when Ben Zobrist doubled Will Rhymes home. The Rays rallied to a lead in the seventh inning beginning with Sean Rodriguez hitting a solo shot, followed by Elliot Johnson singling, which combined with an error to get Rhymes home safely, and the go-ahead run was scored as B.J. Upton grounded into a double play, providing time for Jose Molina to dash home. This was good for a 4-3 win, with the victory picked up by Price, the save converted by Fernando Rodney, and the loss being dealt to Alvarez.

Back stateside, the Miami Marlins host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Correia and Josh Johnson play from the mound. Pittsburgh quickly established a lead with a first inning Garrett Jones single knocking in Andrew McCutchen. Miami tied it in the bottom of the first as Hanley Ramirez doubled in Omar Infante. The Marlins rallied to a lead in the fourth inning beginning as John Buck singled both Giancarlo Stanton and Greg Dobbs home, before scoring alongside Emilio Bonifacio when Infante singled, and Ramirez then doubled Jose Reyes across the dish. The Pirates got one back in the seventh inning with a Michael McKenry solo home run.This produced a 6-2 final for the Marlins, with the win going to Johnson while Correia was stuck with the loss.

Just a bit to the north, the Atlanta Braves hosted the Cincinnati Reds. Johnny Cueto and Tim Hudson are the underrated pitchers. Atlanta began with a second inning Brian McCann solo home run. The Braves rallied to extend the lead in the third inning as Martin Prado singled in Hudson, followed by Chipper Jones doing the same for Michael Bourn, Dan Uggla hitting a sacrifice fly to finish Prado's trip around, and Jason Heyward doubling to score Jones. Atlanta added on in the fourth inning with Prado singling, and combined with an error, Bourn was allowed to safely get home. Cincinnati got some back in the seventh inning as Ryan Hanigan doubled in Todd Frazier before being swept home on a Drew Stubbs single. This made it 6-2, a final, with Hudson getting the win and Cueto taking an ugly loss.

Farther to the north, the New York Mets hosted the Milwaukee Brewers. Zack Greinke and Dillon Gee were called on for the starts. Milwaukee got going in the second inning with Travis Ishikawa grounding out to provide Aramis Ramirez time to score before Cesar Izturis singled home Jonathan Lucroy. The Brewers padded the lead in the fifth as Ishikawa hit a solo home run. Milwaukee added on in the sixth inning with Lucroy singling to drive in Ryan Braun before he was swept in alongside Ramirez on a three-run long ball by Ishikawa. Rickie Weeks provided a solo shot to extend the Brewers lead in the seventh inning, producing the 8-0 final. Greinke showed dominance in the win while Gee was anything but in the loss.

Southwest to Texas, where the Rangers host the Kansas City Royals. Vin Mazzaro and Colby Lewis are tabbed to start. Kansas City rallied to an early lead in the first inning as Billy Butler grounded into a fielder's choice to get Jarrod Dyson home, Brayan Pena singled scoring both Butler and Jeff Francoeur, and Chris Getz singled home Mike Moustakas. The Royals extended the lead in the second inning as Butler doubled Dyson across the plate. Kansas City kept going in the third inning when Moustakas hit a solo home run. Texas got on the board in the fourth inning as David Murphy doubled to score Josh Hamilton before coming home on a Mitch Moreland single. The Rangers got another back in the fifth inning with Hamilton hitting a sacrifice fly to provide Ian Kinsler time to dash home. The Royals answered in the sixth inning with Eric Hosmer doubling, which again scored Dyson. Texas tried a ninth inning rally as Brandon Snyder hit a solo home run, but this only made it 7-4 in the end. Mazzaro earned the win while Lewis had the loss.

Out west, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Wade Miley and Chad Billingsley pace the game. Arizona began with a second inning bases-loaded walk drawn by Gerardo Parra, forcing in Jason Kubel. The Diamondbacks added on in the fifth inning as Justin Upton singled in the pitcher Miley, followed by Miguel Montero singling in Parra, and Kubel singling to score Willie Bloomquist. Los Angeles got on the board in the sixth inning with a Mark Ellis solo home run. Arizona answered in the seventh inning as Lyle Overbay hit a sacrifice fly, providing time for Montero to dash home. This made it 5-1, a final, where Miley got the win while Billingsley took the loss.

Finally, in San Francisco, the Giants host the Colorado Rockies. Jeremy Guthrie and Tim Lincecum are the veteran pitchers. San Francisco was first on the board with a third inning Brandon Belt sacrifice fly allowing Gregor Blanco. Colorado tied it as Troy Tulowitzki singled home Carlos Gonzalez. The Rockies gained the lead in the sixth inning as Michael Cuddyer doubled to score Tulowitzki, before Jordan Pacheco hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Todd Helton. Colorado padded the lead in the seventh inning when Gonzalez singled, knocking in Tyler Colvin. The Giants tied it in the bottom of the seventh when Melky Cabrera doubled in both Aubrey Huff and Gregor Blanco before scoring on a Angel Pagan single. The Rockies got the lead again in the ninth inning with a Marco Scutaro solo home run. This made it 5-4, which held up for the win, earned by Rex Brothers, while Rafael Betancourt turned the save and Santiago Casilla was dealt the loss

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MLB Day 43 2012

Full slate rarity on a Monday, beginning in...

Philadelphia, where the Phillies host the Houston Astros. Lucas Harrell and Joe Blanton were set to make the starts. Philadelphia led off with a fifth inning Freddy Galvis single, driving in Placido Polanco. The Phillies added on in the sixth inning as Carlos Ruiz singled in Shane Victorino, followed by Galvis doing the same for Polanco again. Houston got on the board in the eighth inning on a Marwin Gonzalez solo home run. Philadelphia replied in the bottom of the eighth as Polanco hit a two-run home run, also scoring Ruiz. This made it 5-1, with the win going to Blanton, while Harrell suffered the loss.

Onward to Washington, D.C., where the Nationals host the San Diego Padres. Tim Stauffer and Ross Detwiler will be pitching tonight. Washington got things going in the first inning as Adam LaRoche grounded out, giving time for Ian Desmond to get home. San Diego answered as Orlando Hudson reached on an error, providing Yonder Alonso time to reach home. The Nationals rallied to a lead in the third inning as Ryan Zimmerman singled to score Desmond, Roger Bernadina scored on an error, and Bryce Harper hit a solo home run. The Padres pulled back in the fourth inning when Hudson singled in both Alonso and Chase Headley before coming all the way home when Stauffer sacrificed. San Diego got the lead in the fifth inning on a Headley single, driving in Jesus Guzman. Washington took the lead in the sixth inning as Desmond doubled in both Rick Ankiel and Jesus Flores. The Nationals added on in the eighth inning as Chad Tracy and Xavier Nady hit solo shots. Washington weathered a late but scoreless ninth inning storm to win 8-5, with the win going to Craig Stammen, the save converted by Sean Burnett, and the loss stuck on Miles Mikolas.

In the same area, the Baltimore Orioles host the New York Yankees. Ivan Nova and Jason Hammel are the dependable starters. Baltimore got going in the first inning as J.J. Hardy singled in Xavier Avery before coming home on an Adam Jones double. New York tied it in the fourth inning as Nick Swisher doubled to score both Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano. The Yankees got the lead in the fifth inning as Curtis Granderson hit a solo shot. The Orioles got an equalizer in the bottom of the fifth when Avery tripled to force in Robert Andino before coming the final 90 feet as Hardy lifted a two-run home run to take the lead. New York tied it in the sixth inning as Raul Ibanez reached on an error that allowed both Cano and Mark Teixeira to score. The Yankees took the lead in the seventh inning as Teixeira went yard for a two-run home run, sweeping in Rodriguez. New York made it 8-5 in the ninth inning when Eric Chavez hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Teixeira. David Phelps was credited with the win, while Rafael Soriano made the save and Luis Ayala was stuck with the loss.

Out west, the St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs. Ryan Dempster and Jake Westbrook take the mound. Chicago busted things open in the fifth inning when Starlin Castro singled home Tony Campana, before coming home on a Bryan LaHair two-run home run, and then Geovany Soto later singled to score Ian Stewart. St. Louis answered in the sixth inning as Lance Berkman singled home Jon Jay, before coming home with Matt Holliday on a Yadier Molina double, and Molina crossed home on a Skip Schumaker single to tie the game. The Cubs took the lead again in the eighth inning when Alfonso Soriano singled Campana home. Chicago extended the lead in the ninth inning as Joe Mather grounded into a fielder's choice that eventually got Darwin Barney home, for a 6-4 lead and victory. The win was awarded to Shawn Camp, the save turned by Rafael Dolis, and the loss dealt to Mitchell Boggs.

Up in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays host the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeff Niemann and Brandon Morrow received the starting nods. Toronto was first on the board in the second inning as Kelly Johnson singled in Colby Rasmus. Tampa Bay rallied to a lead in the fifth inning beginning as Elliot Johnson singled in Will Rhymes, followed by Matt Joyce reaching on an error that got Ben Zobrist home, before he came home alongside B.J. Upton on a Luke Scott single, and the rally ended with a Sean Rodriguez double scoring both Carlos Pena and Scott. The Rays got another with a Zobrist solo home run in the ninth inning. This made it 7-1, a final, with the win going to Cesar Ramos, while Morrow had the loss.

Way to the south, the Miami Marlins host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Brad Lincoln and Anibal Sanchez will take their turns in the rotation. Pittsburgh struck early in the first inning as Andrew McCutchen hit a sacrifice fly to get Jose Tabata home. Miami tied it in their half of the inning as Hanley Ramirez hit a solo home run. The Pirates took the lead with a second inning solo shot from the bat of Rod Barajas. The Marlins retied it on a fourth inning Emilio Bonifacio single, scoring Logan Morrison. Pittsburgh took the lead once again in the sixth inning when Pedro Alvarez doubled home McCutchen. This stood up for a 3-2 Pirates win, with Lincoln picking up the win, Joel Hanrahan converting the save, and Sanchez taking the loss.

North again to New York, as the Mets host the Milwaukee Brewers. Yovani Gallardo and Miguel Batista are handed the ball. New York opened with a first inning Daniel Murphy single, driving in Kirk Nieuwenhuis. The Mets added on in the sixth inning as Ronny Cedeno sacrificed, allowing Murphy to come home. New York struck again in the eighth inning as Murphy reached on a fielder's choice that provided time for David Wright to cross the plate. Milwaukee avoided the shutout in the ninth inning as Corey Hart singled to score Ryan Braun, but they couldn't muster anymore to avoid a 3-1 loss. The win went to Batista, the save was converted by Frank Francisco, and Gallardo was stuck with the loss.

South to Atlanta, where the Braves welcome the Cincinnati Reds. Homer Bailey and Randall Delgado are the back-of-the-rotation pitchers. Cincinnati began with Todd Frazier reaching on an error in the fourth inning, allowing safe passage home for Jay Bruce. Atlanta tied it in the fifth inning when Martin Prado hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Michael Bourn. The Reds got the lead in the eighth inning as Brandon Phillips hit a double that knocked in Drew Stubbs, before he came home on a Chris Heisey double. This made the final score 3-1, with Logan Ondrusek picking up the win, Sean Marshall turning the save, and Jonny Venters being dealt the loss.

North once again as the Boston Red Sox host the Seattle Mariners. Jason Vargas and Jon Lester are the solid starting pitchers. Boston quickly gained a first inning lead as David Ortiz doubled in Dustin Pedroia before coming home on a Adrian Gonzalez double. The Red Sox padded the lead in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Daniel Nava, also scoring Cody Ross, followed by Kelly Shoppach hitting a solo home run. Boston extended the lead in the eighth inning as Marlon Byrd hit a sacrifice fly that scored Will Middlebrooks. Seattle avoided a shutout in the ninth inning with Kyle Seager grounding out to get Ichiro across the plate. The final was 6-1 Red Sox, with Lester going the distance for the win while Vargas had no help in the loss.

Southwest to Texas, where the Rangers host the Kansas City Royals. Bruce Chen and Scott Feldman are on the hill. Texas was first on the board with a fourth inning Nelson Cruz solo home run. Kansas City gained the lead in the fifth inning with a 2-RBI single from Alcides Escobar, scoring both Jeff Francoeur and Chris Getz. The Royals extended the lead in the seventh inning as Brayan Pena grounded into a double play, allowing Francoeur to dart home. This made it a 3-1 score, eventually the final, with Chen picking up the win, Jonathan Broxton picking up the save, and Feldman taking a loss with little run support.

Well to the north, the Minnesota Twins host the Cleveland Indians. Jeanmar Gomez and Carl Pavano will be pitching. Minnesota was led off with a third inning run scored by Darin Mastroianni as he scored on a combination of a passed ball and an error. Cleveland took the lead in the fourth inning on a Travis Hafner groundout, allowing Jason Kipnis to score, followed by Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly bringing in the go-ahead run, Asdrubal Cabrera. The Indians added on in the fifth inning when Casey Kotchman hit a two-run home run, also scoring Jose Lopez. The Twins tied it in the eighth inning when Josh Willingham doubled in Denard Span before coming home on a two-run long ball off the bat of Ryan Doumit. Cleveland reclaimed the lead in the ninth inning when Shin-Soo Choo hit a single to knock in Lou Marson. This made it 5-4, a final, with Joe Smith in line for the win, Chris Perez making another save, and Matt Capps being stuck with the loss.

Southeast to Chicago, with the White Sox hosting the Detroit Tigers. Drew Smyly and John Danks receive the manager's approval to start. Detroit opened with a first inning 2-RBI double from Prince Fielder, scoring both Andy Dirks and Miguel Cabrera before Delmon Young doubled to finish Fielder's trip around. Chicago answered in the bottom of the first with a two-run home run by Adam Dunn, sweeping in Alejandro De Aza. The Tigers padded their lead with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Jhonny Peralta in the third inning, forcing in Young before Gerald Laird hit a sacrifice fly allowing Ryan Raburn to dash home. The White Sox pulled back in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Dayan Viciedo, also scoring Alexei Ramirez. Chicago rallied to a lead in the sixth inning when Viciedo singled in both Alex Rios and A.J. Pierzynski, followed by Brent Morel singling to score Ramirez. This stood for a 7-5 win, earned by Zach Stewart and Addison Reed picked up the save, while Luke Putkonen was pinned with the loss.

Out in California, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim host their northern neighbors, the Oakland Athletics. Tyson Ross and Dan Haren were sent out to start. Oakland got going in the first inning as Josh Reddick hit a solo home run. The Athletics added on in the fourth inning when Josh Donaldson hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Seth Smith. Oakland struck again in the fifth inning as Smith doubled, driving in Cliff Pennington and Reddick. The Athletics made it 5-0 in the eighth inning when Kurt Suzuki singled in Donaldson. Ross picked up the easy win while Haren got no help at all in the loss.

Up the freeway, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy and Clayton Kershaw are the pair of aces on the mound. Los Angeles began with Mark Ellis grounding out to score Dee Gordon in the first inning. The Dodgers added on in the sixth inning with Andre Ethier hitting a solo home run, followed by an Adam Kennedy sacrifice fly allowing A.J. Ellis to cross home. Arizona avoided a shutout with an eighth inning solo shot by Aaron Hill, making the final 3-1. Kershaw grabbed the win, Kenley Jansen turned the save, and Kennedy took a tough loss.

Finally, up in San Francisco, the Giants host the Colorado Rockies. Christian Friedrich and Ryan Vogelsong pace the game. Colorado started in the fourth inning with a Willin Rosario solo home run. San Francisco tied it with a sixth inning Gregor Blanco solo shot. The Giants gained the lead in the eighth inning when Buster Posey singled to drive in Blanco before Brett Pill did the same for Joaquin Arias. The Rockies tried to rally back in the ninth as Marco Scutaro reached on an error that allowed Jonathan Herrera to come home, but they didn't tie the game, falling 3-2. Sergio Romo was in line for the win, Santiago Casilla converted the save, and Rex Brothers was on the hook for the loss.

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